UN 13,015 (formerly UN 13,020 interpolated) near Maroon Lake and Willow Pass has been determined to be no longer a ranked summit per Lidar evaluation, which gives it 292 ft. of prominence. This has reduced the total number of ranked 13ers from 584 to 583. We will be adjusting our list in the near future.
LoJ: #286 (Pre-LiDAR #283) / 13,457' UN 13457 Formerly UN 13460
N 39° 00' 20.01", W 106° 35' 39.64"
(Not Field Checked)
Garfield Peak
Grizzly Peak [Grizzly Peak A]
Middle Mountain [Middle Mountain A]
Prize Benchmark
"Booby Prize" [Formerly UN 13312 C]
Peak Summary
Note: Interesting history on this one. As best as we can tell, this peak in our First Edition Garrett & Martin, ninth printing, was ranked #285 with an elevation of 13,460 ft. In the Third Edition used for this site, it was ranked #277 with an elevation of 13,463 ft. LoJ has kept an interpolated elevation of 13,460 ft. and ranked it at #281. We're not sure how G & M came up with the 13,463 elev. As of 2022, Lidar has given this summit an elevation of 13,457 ft. LoJ has then ranked it #285.
A fairly remote, easy, Class 2 summit in the heart of the central Sawatch that requires 4WD for either of two possible approaches unless you want to hike extra miles. Our route includes this summit with several other summits located around Lincoln Creek on the west side of Independence Pass. Do not confuse this summits previous elevation of 13,460 with another of the same elevation over near Sayres Benchmark.
UN13,457 #281 West Slopes Route
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Lincoln Gulch - Grizzly Reservoir TH #1
There are two possible trailhead/approaches to climb several of the Lincoln Creek summits - one from the east side of Independence Pass, the other from the west side. There are nine we climbed from the west side.
From the Town of Aspen, drive east up state highway 82 toward Independence Pass. A little past the Grottos TH, turn south (right) and drive down to the Lincoln Gulch Campground. If in a passenger car, you'll need to park here. 4WD or vehicles with better ground clearance may then continue ESE for Grizzly Reservoir. This road is identified as CR23 or FS107. Along the first 3 miles to the New York TH, there are numerous, designated, primitive campsites. The road tends to be slow going with potholes, etc., but no real major obstacles. It may take over a half hour to drive the 6 plus miles back to the reservoir. There is a small campground there with facilities called the "Portal" campground.
Just past the campground, in prior years, we have found a locked gate across the road as it continues south up the valley. Because there are some private holdings further up valley, we've seen some persons with a key to that gate. We've seen the Forest Service keep that gate closed past the 4th of July weekend, depending on snow melt and runoff conditions. The gate may also be closed again in early fall. If the gate is open and you have good 4WD clearance, you may continue to drive up valley as far as "Ruby," and the Ruby Mine, right around, 11,400 ft. If the gate is closed, be prepared to walk an extra 4 miles, or do as we did one time , and bring mountain bikes and ride up the road to Ruby. The bikes won't seem much faster than walking when going uphill, but will speed your return to the campground considerably.
UN 13,460 (#281 Rank) can be approached from the east side of Independence Pass as well. From HWY 24 between Leadville and Buena Vista, turn west onto HWY82 and drive 14.5 miles to the turnoff for the South Fork of Lake Creek (FS391 as discussed for the other UN13,460 or Sayres BM.) Cross the Lake Fork on a new bridge and drive back as far as the turnoff on FS391 for Sayres Gulch. Shortly after that intersection, the main road becomes more 4WD. Drive another .65 mile to an intersection with a road turning off to the right for McNasser Gulch to access Grizzly and Garfield Peaks from the east side. You will be able to drive 1.2 mile up before being stopped on this 4WD road.
Back on the main road following the South Fork, continue by foot or 4WD up the South Fork to another intersection in 1.4 mile and then head up the right fork on the old road into Peekaboo Gulch until stopped by either the Wilderness Boundary or deteriorating road conditions. If coming from this direction, UN13,460 would combine easily with Middle Mountain; #327 - "Prize BM;" and #381 - "Booby Prize." Check out the Pieplant quad for details.
Camping
There is a designated forest service campground with facilities but no drinking water at Lincoln Gulch. Beyond there are many designated primitive sites that receive heavy summer weekend use and often fill completely. Then at Grizzly Reservoir, there's another small campground with toilets but no drinking water. This is called "The Portal" CG.
Route Description
Year Climbed: 1999Note: If unable to drive past the Portal CG, add an additional 4 miles one way to the trip mileage (8 miles additional roundtrip) and an additional elevation gain of 900 feet.
From the old mine site of Ruby, head south a little and then head up through a last group of open conifers, low down on the west flank of UN13,457. Hike on up through the trees and continue hiking up on mostly tundra that will gradually give way to more rocky rubble as you climb. You may find a minor ridge that you can follow. Ascend 1,500 vertical feet and intersect the north ridge of UN13,457 at a low point just south of Pt.13,060. Hike the remaining .6 mile and 600 vertical feet to the summit over mostly typical, broken rock & rubble. Return by the same route.
Note: UN13,457 can possibly be combined with Red Mountain, Garfield Peak and Grizzly Peak (Colorado's highest 13er) by way of a long ridge traverse. Expect some difficult sections. We have not actually done this traverse so you may want to consult other sources. Also, in earlier season, you may be able to enjoy a quick return down to the valley by a glissade on snowfields. Bring an ice axe for the fun ride.
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